Speed of trial surprising

June 21, 2012

After the quick jury selection and rapid presentation of testimony, it will be interesting to see if the jurors in the Jerry Sandusky case also complete their deliberations at Mach speed.

The defense rested its case Wednesday morning without Sandusky taking the stand to personally refute the allegations that he sexually molested 10 boys over a period of 15 years. Sandusky has admitted to showering with the boys and hugging and horsing around with them but denies sexually assaulting them.

Eight of the 10 alleged victims - who are now adults - testified for the prosecution. The identities of the other two are unknown.

There had been intense speculation as to whether Sandusky would testify in his own behalf.

While defense attorney Joseph Amendola in his opening statement strongly suggested that Sandusky would testify, legal spectators said that would be a risky move because the former Penn State defensive coordinator would face a tough cross-examination. In the end, Sandusky apparently agreed.

With closing arguments this morning, the jury is likely to begin weighing the evidence for each of the 51 counts Sandusky is facing this afternoon. Those charges include 11 counts of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, nine counts of indecent assault, nine counts of unlawful contact with a minor, 10 counts of corruption of minors, 10 counts of endangering a child's welfare, one count of aggravated indecent assault and one count of attempted indecent assault.

The rapid presentations by prosecutors and the defense have surprised many trial watchers.

Now we'll watch to see if the jury moves equally as fast in deliberations.